Install an eSIM on iPhone in 3 minutes

Before you start

• Connect to Wi-Fi — the profile downloads over the internet.
• Make sure the iPhone is carrier-unlocked (Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions").
• Have the QR code open on another screen, or the install link in your email.

Option A: one-tap install link (iOS 17.4+)

1. Open the install link from your eSIM BFF email on the iPhone itself.
2. Tap "Allow" when iOS asks to add a cellular plan.
3. Tap "Continue" through the summary screens.
4. Done — the line appears in Settings → Cellular.

Option B: QR code

1. Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
2. Choose "Use QR Code" and point the camera at the code.
3. Tap "Add Cellular Plan".
4. When asked, keep your Primary line as default for calls and iMessage.

The three settings that matter

1. Label the line: tap it and choose "Travel" so you can tell it apart.
2. Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → select the Travel line. Turn ON "Allow Cellular Data Switching" only if you want iOS to fall back to your home SIM (this can cause roaming charges).
3. Tap the Travel line → turn ON Data Roaming. Travel eSIMs are technically roaming profiles — without this they never connect.

Turn it on at your destination

You can install at home and leave the line switched off. When you land, turn the Travel line on, and within a minute the carrier name (for example "EE" or "AIS") appears in the status bar. Validity starts now, not at purchase.

Troubleshooting

• No signal after 2 minutes: toggle Airplane Mode on and off.
• "No SIM" or SOS: check the Travel line is turned on and selected for Cellular Data.
• Data works but is slow: Settings → Cellular → Travel line → Voice & Data → choose LTE if 5G is unstable.
• Still nothing: message support — we can reset the profile remotely.

Frequently asked